Inside All Apple Products

Internet service providers who accept government funding in exchange for providing Internet access in rural areas were “reminded” this week that they’re not allowed to use the money for food, alcohol, entertainment, personal travel, and other expenses unrelated to providing Internet access.

The Federal Communications Commission issued a public notice with a “non-exhaustive list of expenditures” that cannot be reimbursed. The list includes all of the above as well as political contributions, charitable donations, scholarships, payment of penalties and fines, club membership fees, sponsorships of conferences and community events, gifts to employees, and personal expenses of employees and family members “including but not limited to personal expenses for housing, such as rent or mortgages.”

The ban on using subsidies for food includes but is “not limited to meals to celebrate personal events, such as weddings, births, or retirements,” the FCC said.